We are two couples in our 60s who are planning a trip to the Southwest and are deciding between Santa Fe and Sedona. I would like to hear from Fodorites who have done both to help us decide. Your thoughts on these 2 areas?

Santa Fe has museums, fine art galleries and fine dining, more in each category than Sedona. IMO, and this really is a matter of opinion, Sedona (and environs) has more spectacular scenery; Santa Fe (and environs) is also one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, so this is a small distinction.

I look forward to hearing what others have to say! As always, which you choose has a lot to do with your preferences, so if you could share why you are considering these two places, it might help.

Santa Fe has fabulous food unique to the region. I also enjoy visiting some of the Indian pueblos and Bandelier Park.

What time of year? What are your interests? Will altitude be an issue as Santa Fe is pretty high up and can be a concern.

Sedona is more outdoorsy; Santa Fe has both outdoorsy and cultural.

We loved Santa Fe and Sedona, but if I have the chance to go back to one I would chose Sedona. We just loved the red rocks and there are so many hiking trails-if you like that. We took the Pink Jeep tour and it was great.

Time of year: October. Interests: Architecture, Food, Art.

If you are into hiking, it is closer in Sedona. All the other factors are better in Santa Fe IMHO. There is plenty of hiking not far from Santa Fe tho.

Santa Fe has many great restaurants, museums, galleries, an historic plaza area to walk, scenery, great local New Mexican cuisine, and a lot of outdoor activities in different activity levels.

Sedona offers beautiful red rocks, hiking, jeep tours and a small town area with limited eats and a galleries.

Since you mentioned architecture, food and art as your interests the scale leans toward Santa Fe.
If you are here the first half of October you may get lucky with the aspens and cottonwoods in their golden fall color.

Santa Fe offers more for you, I think, in all aspects.

If you are talking about THIS October, you had better move fast - it is the busiest time of year in Santa Fe, and Sedona perhaps too.

How long is the trip?

For architecture, history, and art, definitely Santa Fe. Also, a really great farmers market. If you want to stay in town, as opposed to exploring the region, go to Santa Fe, because there is much more to do in town. Sedona's sights / activities are much more outside of town.

Santa Fe scenery doesn't compare with that around Sedona, IMO, and there are many more hiking opportunities around Sedona. As far as restaurants, I think it is pretty close, probably the edge goes to Santa Fe.

We really enjoy visiting Santa Fe, but we bought a timeshare in Sedona and go there once or twice every year. Just never get tired of those red rocks.

October is maybe the busiest month in Sedona and October has the best weather. We will be there on the 14th for our week.

I have traveled extensively to both places and cannot imaging that there are more hiking trails in Sedona, but maybe I somehow missed something. Check out the Dale Ball trail system in Santa Fe! Museum, dining and gallery wise, Santa Fe wins hands down and IMO trail wise too!

Based on your interests, definitely Santa Fe.

Hiking trails around Sedona. I didn't count them, but the website says 187

http://hikearizona.com/traildex.php?ID=42&RID=9

Keep in mind that Santa Fe has a population of about 70,000 compared to about 10,000 for Sedona. Many of the differences between the two cities are due to the large difference in population and related amenities.

"Many of the differences between the two cities are due to the large difference in population and related amenities."

Not following, what do you mean?

We visited Santa Fe twice, this year, but I've not been to Sedona. Santa Fe is, IMO, a truly unique vacation town. The museum, restaurant, hotel, architecture options are amazing for a town of the size. I could kick myself for not visiting more, over the past 20 years. When you expand the Santa Fe area to include Taos and Red River, very few places in the continental US have so much.

The decision was made to go to Scottsdale, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. Santa Fe (what would have been my third trip) will just have to wait for another time. Thank you to all who took the time to respond!

Your trip choice sounds wonderful. How can you say "no" to the Grand Canyon!

Enjoy and come back to Santa Fe soon as this is a most beautiful time to be in Santa Fe.